Be aware that artificial turf can get very hot underfoot. You could lay a narrow old brick or limestone paver path to clothes line for easy access and plant ground covers or low profile herbs (eg.oregano and thyme) to use in cooking. Hardy herbs or flowers such as rosemary, lavender, geraniums against the edges of the space toward the back. Even add some large long troughs of flowers on the retaining wall to pretty up the area. It looks like it could get quite warm there but maybe a jasmine or similar climber to climb up a frame attached to the part of the large wall where there is no clothes line. Good luck, it will be a lovely space I'm sure once you get started.

Why use pavers at all? Many really good gardens use aggregate. This maybe really fine with a base underneath or 12mm grey gravel. And I far prefer grey as it is softer. No concrete and no paving is the sustainable way to go. Otherwise you get issues with drainage problems. Sustainable options allow all rainfall to be used in position without draining out to stormwater. The aggregate will need formal edging unless you want a more natural look where plants can flop over the edges of the path. My suggestion is to forget paving with/without a concrete base. And my suggestion is so much cheaper. But it looks just as good and is environmentally friendly!

Hi Julie I like the way you think! Love both ideas. I am having a deck and patio built at the back of the house ,the work is under way, I will talk to my maintenance man and ask for a price. It may work partly because of the $800 transport cost to get the pavers here. Thanks!

For a french Provincial style home I would research limestone pavers laid in a french pattern. French pattern is a classic method of laying irregular sized square and rectangular tiles or pavers that is non-directional and is a timeless look. Some tile companies also produce limestone look porcelain tiles that are made in irregular sizes for french pattern. I would probably just paint your retaining wall/tanks to match the exterior colour of the house. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls